The official blog for www.gotovictoriafalls.co.za, a destination marketing association owned by the people of Victoria Falls. We are committed to making the Victoria Falls a tourism hub for the region.

Tuesday, 24 April 2012

victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU) is thrilled to have new sponsors on board following a recent trip by Travellers Choice Gold Family Group (Africa Safari Co) to Victoria Falls.

The group from Australia met with Charles Brightman, head of VFAPU at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge in March, to find out more about what the Unit is doing to help combat poaching in the area. Having been impressed by the efforts of the organisation, five of the Travel Agencies in the Gold Choice Group have committed to a once off sponsorship of a Scout. Bay Travel Services, City Beach Travel & Cruise, Jayes Travel, Jamison Travel and Stodarts Travel & Cruise, have joined together in donating US$ 3420.00 to the cause.

“It was enlightening to learn of the fabulous work being done by Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit” remarked Sue Fessey, Managing Director of Stodarts Travel & Cruise, following her meeting with Charles Brightman.

VFAPU is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the preservation of wildlife and its natural habitat. The unit protects the wildlife and habitat of the beautiful Victoria Falls area from subsistence and commercial poachers. It also rescues and rehabilitates animals injured by human interference, provides employment for ex-poachers giving them a sustainable income, and educates children at an early age through school and community awareness programs.

“It is amazing to have donations such as these as it takes some of the pressure off and means that VFAPU gets to live longer”, said a truly delighted Brightman, following news of the generous donation.

Thursday, 5 April 2012

There have been a number of warnings released by the Travel Advisories in various countries, including the USA and UK about a typhoid outbreak in Zimbabwe. The US has recommended no “non-essential” travel to Zimbabwe, while the United Kingdom is recommending no travel at all. This has caused a lot of concern for travellers visiting Zimbabwe from these countries.

It should be noted that while there has been a typhoid breakout in the high density suburbs of Harare, this area is 900km away and therefore not a threat to visitors to Victoria Falls.

Foreign Governments are obliged to report on the safety and security matters within each specific country, according to information released by government and the media about that particular country.

In saying this, visitors should always take the necessary precautions and immunisations, as advised by their doctor when visiting Zimbabwe. The best form of protection against mosquitoes and malaria is having a malaria prophylaxis treatment, using repellent and wearing long sleeved clothing in the evenings.

With regard to the Typhoid issue, guests are advised to take the necessary immunization against typhoid as well as follow caution by drinking bottled water, and avoiding eating unwashed fruits and vegetables. Since Victoria Falls is far away from the area where the problem has arised, we do not foresee this being an issue at all for visitors to the town. It is not a 100% guarantee, but if precautions are taken it is very unlikely it will be a problem.

The general feeling by members of the tourism industry in Zimbabwe is that the apprehension is both unjustified and unrealistic.

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GoToVictoriaFalls is a destination marketing association owned by the people of Victoria Falls who are committed to making this beautiful town a tourism hub for the region.
Working together the members provide everything from flights, transfers, car hire, ground handling and conferencing facilities to the provision of a wide range of accommodation and activities. The GoToVictoriaFalls association is focused on making Victoria Falls travel safe, easy and an incredible experience.